Dental sedation is a technique that can be used when a patient suffers from dental anxiety or dental phobia. We are happy to offer a number of solutions for our patients to make their dental visit as comfortable as possible. Pediatric dental sedation enables patients - who might otherwise avoid the dentist - to receive dental treatment necessary for a healthy smile. Depending on the extent of the anxiety or phobia, varying degrees of dental sedation can be utilized as described below.

Nitrous oxide sedation

Nitrous Oxide, also known as "laughing gas" is commonly used to make treatment more comfortable. This sedation is inhaled through a mask that allows you to breathe in the medication and induces a state of relaxation. Local anesthetic will be administered in conjunction with nitrous oxide to eliminate pain.

Conscious sedation

This medication can be given to a patient the night before a dentistry procedure or 30 minutes to an hour prior to the dental appointment, depending on the severity of the anxiety. Oral sedatives do not provide pain relief, so an injection of local anesthetic will also be administered.

General anesthesia

General anesthesia provides a way of effectively completing dental care while a child is unconscious. An experienced health care provider, specifically trained in delivering general anesthesia, is responsible for the general anesthesia delivery, monitoring and medical care of a child. Many precautions are taken to provide safety for the child during general anesthesia care. Patients are monitored closely during general anesthesia procedure by anesthesia personnel who are trained to manage complications. Your pediatric dentist will discuss the benefits and risk involved in general anesthesia and why it is recommended for your child's treatment.

We provide high quality pediatric dental services, including pediatric dental sedation, for children of all ages through San Luis Obispo County, including the communities of Atascadero, Paso Robles, Templeton, and San Luis Obispo.